Expiration Date / Best before Information

At CENARA Skincare, we care about the quality, safety and transparency of every product we offer.

We sell original Romanian skincare, cosmetics and personal care products sourced from trusted brands, official distributors, manufacturers or authorized supply channels. Because cosmetics and personal care products are used directly on the skin, hair, lips, teeth or body, we believe customers should have clear information about product durability, expiry dates, best before dates and Period After Opening symbols.

This page explains how expiration dates and best before information are displayed on our website and how customers should read them before using a product.

Understanding Expiration Dates and Best Before Dates

The durability of a cosmetic or personal care product depends on several factors, including its formula, packaging, product type, manufacturer testing, storage conditions and whether the product has been opened.

Some products display a clear expiration date, best before date or date of minimum durability. This indicates the period during which the product is expected to remain suitable for use when stored correctly and kept unopened, according to the manufacturer’s guidance.

Other products may not display a fixed expiration date because, under EU cosmetic rules, products with a minimum durability of more than 30 months are not required to show a date of minimum durability on the packaging. For these products, the Period After Opening, also known as PAO, is usually used instead, where applicable.

Where to Find Expiration or Best Before Information

When available, the expiration date, best before date or minimum durability information is displayed on each product page, usually near the product price or product details.

We make reasonable efforts to check and update this information when products arrive in our inventory. However, because stock may rotate quickly and new batches may arrive frequently, the date displayed on the website should be considered an informative indication based on the current stock information available at the time of update.

If the exact expiry date is especially important for your order, please contact us before purchasing and we will do our best to confirm the current batch information.

Stock Rotation and Product Freshness

CENARA Skincare works with products that often have regular stock rotation. This helps us provide customers with fresh products and, where possible, longer remaining shelf life.

We continuously restock popular products and aim to send products with the best available date from our inventory.

Some products, especially sale items, clearance items, promotional products or last pieces, may have a shorter remaining best before period. When this applies, we aim to display the relevant date clearly so that customers can make an informed decision before purchasing.

A product with a shorter best before period is not automatically unsuitable for use, as long as it is still within the indicated date, stored correctly, unopened where applicable, and used according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

EU Cosmetic Labelling and the 30-Month Rule

In the European Union, cosmetic products are regulated by Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 on cosmetic products.

Under this regulation, cosmetic products must provide durability information to help consumers understand how long the product can be used safely and effectively under appropriate storage conditions.

For products with a minimum durability of 30 months or less, the packaging must indicate the date of minimum durability. This may appear together with the hourglass symbol or with the words “best used before the end of”.

For products with a minimum durability of more than 30 months, a fixed date of minimum durability is not mandatory. Instead, the product should normally display the Period After Opening information, where relevant.

What Is PAO – Period After Opening?

PAO means Period After Opening.

It tells you how long a product can be used after it has been opened, provided it is stored and used correctly. The PAO symbol usually looks like an open jar and is followed by a number, such as:

  • 3M – use within 3 months after opening;

  • 6M – use within 6 months after opening;

  • 12M – use within 12 months after opening;

  • 24M – use within 24 months after opening.

The PAO period begins from the moment you first open the product, not from the date of purchase.

To help you keep track, we recommend noting the opening date on the product, especially for creams, lotions, SPF products, serums, hair care products or products used around sensitive areas.

Always Check the Product Packaging

Although we aim to provide accurate information on our website, the physical product packaging remains the primary source of information.

Before using any product, please check:

  • expiration date, best before date or PAO symbol;

  • ingredient list;

  • usage instructions;

  • warnings and precautions;

  • batch number or lot number;

  • storage instructions;

  • manufacturer or Responsible Person information, where applicable.

Packaging, ingredients, labels and product information may change from time to time due to manufacturer updates. For this reason, customers should always read the label on the product received before use.

Storage Recommendations

To help maintain product quality, please store cosmetic and personal care products according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

As a general rule, products should be stored:

  • away from direct sunlight;

  • away from excessive heat or humidity;

  • with the cap or lid properly closed after use;

  • in a clean and dry place;

  • away from children;

  • away from contamination by water, fingers or other external sources, unless the product is designed for that type of use.

Improper storage may affect the texture, smell, colour, stability or performance of a product, even before the stated expiry or PAO period has passed.

When Not to Use a Product

Do not use a product if:

  • the expiration date or best before date has passed;

  • the product has changed significantly in smell, colour, texture or appearance;

  • the packaging is damaged, leaking or visibly compromised;

  • the product was stored incorrectly;

  • the product has been open for longer than the PAO period;

  • you notice irritation, discomfort or an unexpected reaction after use.

If irritation or an allergic reaction occurs, stop using the product immediately and seek medical advice if necessary.

Our Commitment to Quality

CENARA Skincare does not knowingly sell expired products.

We work with trusted Romanian brands, distributors and supply channels and aim to maintain responsible stock control. We also make reasonable efforts to check product dates, rotate stock and provide clear product information to our customers.

However, as an online retailer, we rely on information provided by manufacturers, suppliers and product packaging. If we identify an error or discrepancy regarding product date information, we will review the matter and update the product page where necessary.

Sale and Short-Dated Products

From time to time, some products may be offered at a reduced price because they are part of a promotion, last stock, seasonal clearance or have a shorter remaining best before period.

Where a product has a shorter expiry or best before date, we aim to make this information visible before purchase.

By purchasing a clearly marked short-dated or clearance product, the customer acknowledges the displayed date information and agrees to use the product within the indicated period and according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

International Customers

CENARA Skincare sells Romanian skincare, cosmetics and personal care products to customers in the European Union and selected international destinations.

For customers outside the European Union, local rules, import requirements or product labelling expectations may differ. Product durability information is provided according to the manufacturer’s packaging and applicable EU cosmetic rules, unless otherwise stated.

Customers are responsible for checking whether the product is suitable for their personal use and local requirements in the destination country.

Questions About Expiration Dates

If you have any questions about the expiration date, best before date or PAO information of a product, please contact us before placing your order.

Please include the product name and, if relevant, the quantity you would like to order. We will do our best to check the current batch information available in our inventory.

Email: office@beauty-cosmetics.shop
Working Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Eastern European Time

Thank You for Choosing CENARA Skincare

Thank you for trusting CENARA Skincare.

We are committed to offering original Romanian skincare, cosmetics and personal care products with clear information, responsible stock handling and customer-focused service.

CENARA Skincare – Original Romanian beauty, delivered with care.